Meet Dr. Justin Schallmann
Dr. Justin Schallmann is a NUCCA Part 2 Certified upper cervical chiropractor and one of approximately 300 doctors worldwide trained and actively practicing this specific technique. He has been serving patients in the greater Seattle Eastside since 2008 — first as The Balanced Spine, now as Back In Balance Chiropractic. His practice focuses exclusively on NUCCA upper cervical care, with a philosophy built on precision, gentleness, and honest evaluation.
Education and Early Training
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Dr. Schallmann earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated Cum Laude, receiving several academic honors and awards throughout his time at Palmer.
One of his most memorable experiences at Palmer was being selected for a Chiropractic Mission trip to Fiji. Working with underserved patients who often traveled significant distances to receive care, he developed a deep appreciation for chiropractic’s potential to help patients from all backgrounds.
“It was great to give back to the people of Fiji. Many of these patients were underserved, and many traveled miles to receive chiropractic care. This experience helped shape my approach to patient care.”
NUCCA Specialization
Prior to graduation, Dr. Schallmann had the opportunity to intern for nine months with Dr. Jeffrey Scholten, a well-known NUCCA chiropractor in Calgary, Alberta. This intensive internship focused specifically on the NUCCA technique and included Dr. Scholten’s specialized work at the intersection of NUCCA and neuromuscular dentistry (TMJ/TMD care).
This early exposure to advanced NUCCA practice — and the connection between upper cervical alignment and jaw dysfunction — has shaped Dr. Schallmann’s approach ever since. TMJ and jaw pain remains one of the conditions where NUCCA can provide particularly meaningful support, and the training he received during this internship informas his appraoch to these cases.
Expanding Expertise Through Practice
Upon graduation, Dr. Schallmann moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to practice under an experienced NUCCA chiropractor. This provided the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients presenting with complex conditions — including patients dealing with chronic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, and neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis where cervical dysfunction may contribute to secondary musculoskeletal symptoms.
This experience reinforced an important principle that continues to guide his practice: NUCCA is not a substitute for medical care, but for the right patients — particularly those with upper cervical involvement in their symptom picture — it can be a meaningful complementary component of a broader care plan.
Practice History
Dr. Schallmann has been practicing in the Seattle Eastside since 2008, initially at The Balanced Spine, which has since evolved into Back In Balance Chiropractic. Over 18+ years of practice, he has provided NUCCA upper cervical care to patients from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, Snohomish, and throughout the greater Seattle area.
”Dr. Schallmann was great. He explained everything, helped to relieve my pain, straighten my posture, and provided helpful suggestions.”
— Rudy O.
Credentials at a Glance
- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) — Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA (Cum Laude)
- NUCCA Part 2 Certified — one of approximately 300 doctors worldwide trained and actively practicing this specific technique
- Nine-month NUCCA internship under Dr. Jeffrey Scholten, Calgary, Alberta
- 18+ years of clinical practice serving the Seattle Eastside since 2008
- Chiropractic Mission trip experience — Fiji
- Advanced training in the intersection of NUCCA and neuromuscular dentistry (TMJ/TMD)
- Licensed to practice chiropractic in the state of Washington
Practice Philosophy
Dr. Schallmann’s approach is built on three principles:
Precision. Every correction is preceded by 3D digital imaging that measures atlas (C1) position to a fraction of a degree. No guesswork — measurements guide every intervention, and post-correction imaging confirms alignment change.
Gentleness. No twisting, popping, or high-velocity thrusts. The NUCCA correction is a calibrated contact behind the ear — appropriate for patients who don’t tolerate traditional chiropractic manipulation, including those with post-traumatic injuries, migraines, or general sensitivity.
Honesty. If NUCCA isn’t the right fit for your specific situation, Dr. Schallmann will tell you directly and help point you toward the appropriate provider rather than proceed with care that isn’t likely to help. Honest evaluation matters more than a full schedule.
Beyond the Practice
Dr. Schallmann lives in Bothell, WA, with his wife and son AJ. Outside of the practice, he enjoys watching Seahawks and Mariners games, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Working with Dr. Schallmann
Your initial consultation is complimentary. Dr. Schallmann will take a thorough history, complete appropriate assessments, and give you a direct read on whether NUCCA is likely to help your specific situation. If you have questions about NUCCA upper cervical care and whether it might be a fit for you, you’re welcome to call the office at (425) 437-9974 — Dr. Schallmann is glad to discuss your questions personally.